Gowan Interview

[sadie65]

http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/2009/07/15/10 ... ertainment

Gowan adds Cdn. twist to band Styx
By Sue Bailey, THE CANADIAN PRESS




OTTAWA - Even over the phone, Canadian singer Lawrence Gowan - the Strange Animal known for wild-man vaults from his piano in the 1980s - sounds like a guy who's having the time of his life.

The classically trained musician joined Styx more than 10 years ago after the Chicago-born rockers bitterly parted with their theatrical frontman Dennis DeYoung, and Gowan says the decade has flown by.

"It's not difficult in this situation," said Gowan, with the light-hearted, at times self-deprecating, delivery of a man who is thoroughly enjoying himself.

"I've been in (Styx) now 10 years. It is shocking to believe. I only believe it when I see old pictures of us.

"The first couple of years I was with the band I had this kind of goatee beard. And I'm like, I don't even remember having that thing stuck to my face."

The reconstituted band has travelled the world blasting audiences with its blend of power pop sweetened with "Come Sail Away" keyboard melodies. Styx heads north to Ottawa's Bluesfest for a Thursday night concert, joining a roster that's as eclectic as it is blues-based.


Gowan spends part of each year at his Toronto home and couldn't be happier to be back on Canadian soil.

He grew up in nearby Scarborough and formed a teenaged band out of school before launching a solo career highlighted by some enduring tunes, like "(You're a) Strange Animal" and "All the Lovers in the World."

His fans in Ottawa may get to hear him perform a Styx-ified rendition of his hit "A Criminal Mind."

"I'll throw in just a couple of blues notes to make it legit," Gowan, now 52, said with a laugh that punctuates much of his easy banter.

"It may be in the show. I can never promise this," he added, citing the band's "embarrassment of riches" when it comes to crowd favourites.

"I enjoy 'Renegade' very much but I don't sing that one - that's a Tommy song," he said of Styx guitarist and lead showman Tommy Shaw.

"The harmonies are very challenging on it. I always loved it, the first time I heard it. I enjoy singing all the songs of theirs that I do: 'Grand Illusion,' 'Lady,' 'Come Sail Away' and 'Suite Madame Blue.' Those are tremendous songs to sing.

"It's a very powerful band live. And that's what I get caught up in. That becomes part of the whole experience."

Don't hold your breath for "Babe" or "Mr. Roboto," though. The band hasn't exactly showcased all of DeYoung's signature hits since he tried to sue his former mates for carrying on under the Styx banner.

Styx is just wrapping up its "Can't Stop Rockin"' tour around the U.S. - a run of often sold-out shows that featured recession-priced tickets and an economic recovery theme.

Gowan tours with the band about eight out of 12 months a year. No performance is quite like the last, he said.

"You have to kind of be in the experience itself to really appreciate that every single night, every single audience you get in front of, you are trying to convey something personal in that moment. And that supercedes whether you're playing the same notes that you happened to play last night or the night before because you have another chance to get them right."

It's more about creating the perfect atmosphere than hitting the right keys, he added.

"I played 'Strange Animal' every single night for 14 years straight. And I can honestly say I never got bored with it because every night there was some nuance that arrives in that moment that makes for a great live performance."

Musicians who grow to resent playing the same beloved songs over and over tend to spoil it for themselves and the fans, Gowan said.

"I've witnessed them kind of destroy it themselves," he said.

"And that's something I'm going to endeavour not to do."

[Babyblue]

Thanks he is a really cool guy.

[Babyblue]

I guess i am the only one to enjoy this

[brywool]

nah, me too. Just got here late.

[ChicagoSTYX]

nah, me too. Just got here late.

same here

[chowhall]

Froy must truly be dead.

[ChicagoSTYX]

Froy must truly be dead.

[foolintherain]

Froy must truly be dead.

'bout time

[foolintherain]

here it comes here it comes

[Everett]

Froy must truly be dead.

'bout time

You can't be serious. Why don't YOU go away and die.....

[foolintherain]

Froy must truly be dead.

'bout time

You can't be serious. Why don't YOU go away and die.....

And there it is.

[Babyblue]

http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/2009/07/15/10146786-cp.html?cid=rssentertainment

Gowan adds Cdn. twist to band Styx
By Sue Bailey, THE CANADIAN PRESS




OTTAWA - Even over the phone, Canadian singer Lawrence Gowan - the Strange Animal known for wild-man vaults from his piano in the 1980s - sounds like a guy who's having the time of his life.

The classically trained musician joined Styx more than 10 years ago after the Chicago-born rockers bitterly parted with their theatrical frontman Dennis DeYoung, and Gowan says the decade has flown by.

"It's not difficult in this situation," said Gowan, with the light-hearted, at times self-deprecating, delivery of a man who is thoroughly enjoying himself.

"I've been in (Styx) now 10 years. It is shocking to believe. I only believe it when I see old pictures of us.

"The first couple of years I was with the band I had this kind of goatee beard. And I'm like, I don't even remember having that thing stuck to my face."

The reconstituted band has travelled the world blasting audiences with its blend of power pop sweetened with "Come Sail Away" keyboard melodies. Styx heads north to Ottawa's Bluesfest for a Thursday night concert, joining a roster that's as eclectic as it is blues-based.


Gowan spends part of each year at his Toronto home and couldn't be happier to be back on Canadian soil.

He grew up in nearby Scarborough and formed a teenaged band out of school before launching a solo career highlighted by some enduring tunes, like "(You're a) Strange Animal" and "All the Lovers in the World."

His fans in Ottawa may get to hear him perform a Styx-ified rendition of his hit "A Criminal Mind."

"I'll throw in just a couple of blues notes to make it legit," Gowan, now 52, said with a laugh that punctuates much of his easy banter.

"It may be in the show. I can never promise this," he added, citing the band's "embarrassment of riches" when it comes to crowd favourites.

"I enjoy 'Renegade' very much but I don't sing that one - that's a Tommy song," he said of Styx guitarist and lead showman Tommy Shaw.

"The harmonies are very challenging on it. I always loved it, the first time I heard it. I enjoy singing all the songs of theirs that I do: 'Grand Illusion,' 'Lady,' 'Come Sail Away' and 'Suite Madame Blue.' Those are tremendous songs to sing.

"It's a very powerful band live. And that's what I get caught up in. That becomes part of the whole experience."

Don't hold your breath for "Babe" or "Mr. Roboto," though. The band hasn't exactly showcased all of DeYoung's signature hits since he tried to sue his former mates for carrying on under the Styx banner.

Styx is just wrapping up its "Can't Stop Rockin"' tour around the U.S. - a run of often sold-out shows that featured recession-priced tickets and an economic recovery theme.

Gowan tours with the band about eight out of 12 months a year. No performance is quite like the last, he said.

"You have to kind of be in the experience itself to really appreciate that every single night, every single audience you get in front of, you are trying to convey something personal in that moment. And that supercedes whether you're playing the same notes that you happened to play last night or the night before because you have another chance to get them right."

It's more about creating the perfect atmosphere than hitting the right keys, he added.

"I played 'Strange Animal' every single night for 14 years straight. And I can honestly say I never got bored with it because every night there was some nuance that arrives in that moment that makes for a great live performance."

Musicians who grow to resent playing the same beloved songs over and over tend to spoil it for themselves and the fans, Gowan said.

"I've witnessed them kind of destroy it themselves," he said.

"And that's something I'm going to endeavour not to do."

Thanks! I had to reread this and enjoyed it again.

[DerriD]

Froy must truly be dead.

'bout time

You can't be serious. Why don't YOU go away and die.....

And there it is.

You bait a hook and act surprised that you get a bite?

...but, back to the topic at hand...I enjoy reading Gowan's interviews as well. He always makes for an interesting read and comes across as an honest, if not at times eccentric, humble person.

Thanks Sadie. Funny how no matter well intended a thread starts, it nearly always ends in crap. I take it back, not funny...sad.

[Babyblue]

Froy must truly be dead.

'bout time

You can't be serious. Why don't YOU go away and die.....

And there it is.

You bait a hook and act surprised that you get a bite?

...but, back to the topic at hand...I enjoy reading Gowan's interviews as well. He always makes for an interesting read and comes across as an honest, if not at times eccentric, humble person.

Thanks Sadie. Funny how no matter well intended a thread starts, it nearly always ends in crap. I take it back, not funny...sad.[/quote

I agree with you Sadie was being nice & you always...have people that like doing just that.

But he dose sound like a really sweet guy.

I am thrilled he is with them now.He has made me love them all over again. Thanks Gowan Now to get to see them in concert.WOOOHOO

[Classicrockr]

Well, I'll say it then - since the hook was baited and all....

I saw them in concert & Gowan sucked royally - he spent most of the show facing Todd, with his back to the audience. During the times when he was actually spinning the keyboard around he never really stopped to face the audience much.

When he tried to do "Come sail Away" - it was ridiculous. He was so nasal sounding - like he had a terminal head cold or something. It absolutely ruined the song & every other one he tried to sing that Dennis used to.

Just a spinning, dancing leprechaun that does NOT do any of the old STYX songs justice.....

[Zan]

Well, I'll say it then - since the hook was baited and all....

Oh, thank God you did. I'm glad someone finally spoke up.

[foolintherain]

Well, I'll say it then - since the hook was baited and all....

I saw them in concert & Gowan sucked royally - he spent most of the show facing Todd, with his back to the audience. During the times when he was actually spinning the keyboard around he never really stopped to face the audience much.

When he tried to do "Come sail Away" - it was ridiculous. He was so nasal sounding - like he had a terminal head cold or something. It absolutely ruined the song & every other one he tried to sing that Dennis used to.

Just a spinning, dancing leprechaun that does NOT do any of the old STYX songs justice.....

not really.

[Babyblue]

Well, I'll say it then - since the hook was baited and all....

I saw them in concert & Gowan sucked royally - he spent most of the show facing Todd, with his back to the audience. During the times when he was actually spinning the keyboard around he never really stopped to face the audience much.

When he tried to do "Come sail Away" - it was ridiculous. He was so nasal sounding - like he had a terminal head cold or something. It absolutely ruined the song & every other one he tried to sing that Dennis used to.

Just a spinning, dancing leprechaun that does NOT do any of the old STYX songs justice.....

Maybe he had a cold.Still love him with them that will not change at all.I had friends to see them not to long again and loved them with Larry.So not everyone likes him and that is fine.

[froy]

Well, I'll say it then - since the hook was baited and all....

I saw them in concert & Gowan sucked royally - he spent most of the show facing Todd, with his back to the audience. During the times when he was actually spinning the keyboard around he never really stopped to face the audience much.

When he tried to do "Come sail Away" - it was ridiculous. He was so nasal sounding - like he had a terminal head cold or something. It absolutely ruined the song & every other one he tried to sing that Dennis used to.

Just a spinning, dancing leprechaun that does NOT do any of the old STYX songs justice.....

Look for Styx to fade after this tour
Notice nothing from JY in the last year
He see's the writing on the wall
The greatest STYX lineup in his mind is over..

[froy]

Well, I'll say it then - since the hook was baited and all....

I saw them in concert & Gowan sucked royally - he spent most of the show facing Todd, with his back to the audience. During the times when he was actually spinning the keyboard around he never really stopped to face the audience much.

When he tried to do "Come sail Away" - it was ridiculous. He was so nasal sounding - like he had a terminal head cold or something. It absolutely ruined the song & every other one he tried to sing that Dennis used to.

Just a spinning, dancing leprechaun that does NOT do any of the old STYX songs justice.....

Maybe he had a cold.Still love him with them that will not change at all.I had friends to see them not to long again and loved them with Larry.So not everyone likes him and that is fine.

Just curious Baby
Did you ever see STYX with Dennis?

[Hollywood]

Well, I'll say it then - since the hook was baited and all....

I saw them in concert & Gowan sucked royally - he spent most of the show facing Todd, with his back to the audience. During the times when he was actually spinning the keyboard around he never really stopped to face the audience much.

When he tried to do "Come sail Away" - it was ridiculous. He was so nasal sounding - like he had a terminal head cold or something. It absolutely ruined the song & every other one he tried to sing that Dennis used to.

Just a spinning, dancing leprechaun that does NOT do any of the old STYX songs justice.....

Look for Styx to fade after this tour
Notice nothing from JY in the last year
He see's the writing on the wall
The greatest STYX lineup in his mind is over..

Maybe JY has been quiet and subdued due to the fact that his wife is ill. He doesn't want to spend time doing interviews when he can spend that time caring for his wife when he's not on the road.

[chowhall]

Look for Styx to fade after this tour
Notice nothing from JY in the last year
He see's the writing on the wall
The greatest STYX lineup in his mind is over..

According to you. Styx has been dead for 10 years. What are they fading from? 5-10 thousand person shows are not what they did in their heyday, but there aren't too many acts that wouldn't want to trade places with them.

[Zan]

Look for Styx to fade after this tour
Notice nothing from JY in the last year
He see's the writing on the wall
The greatest STYX lineup in his mind is over..

Maybe JY has been quiet and subdued due to the fact that his wife is ill. He doesn't want to spend time doing interviews when he can spend that time caring for his wife when he's not on the road.

That's exactly it. Thank you for stating what should be the obvious (but never is around here).

[Babyblue]

Well, I'll say it then - since the hook was baited and all....

I saw them in concert & Gowan sucked royally - he spent most of the show facing Todd, with his back to the audience. During the times when he was actually spinning the keyboard around he never really stopped to face the audience much.

When he tried to do "Come sail Away" - it was ridiculous. He was so nasal sounding - like he had a terminal head cold or something. It absolutely ruined the song & every other one he tried to sing that Dennis used to.

Just a spinning, dancing leprechaun that does NOT do any of the old STYX songs justice.....

Maybe he had a cold.Still love him with them that will not change at all.I had friends to see them not to long again and loved them with Larry.So not everyone likes him and that is fine.

Just curious Baby
Did you ever see STYX with Dennis?

Yes i have and loved him and still do.But i am a fan of Gowans now too.

[Toph]

Look for Styx to fade after this tour
Notice nothing from JY in the last year
He see's the writing on the wall
The greatest STYX lineup in his mind is over..

Maybe JY has been quiet and subdued due to the fact that his wife is ill. He doesn't want to spend time doing interviews when he can spend that time caring for his wife when he's not on the road.

That's exactly it. Thank you for stating what should be the obvious (but never is around here).

Oh and thank you so much for setting us straight ....

[chowhall]

Oh and thank you so much for setting us straight ....

As if that was a possibility.

[froy]

Well, I'll say it then - since the hook was baited and all....

I saw them in concert & Gowan sucked royally - he spent most of the show facing Todd, with his back to the audience. During the times when he was actually spinning the keyboard around he never really stopped to face the audience much.

When he tried to do "Come sail Away" - it was ridiculous. He was so nasal sounding - like he had a terminal head cold or something. It absolutely ruined the song & every other one he tried to sing that Dennis used to.

Just a spinning, dancing leprechaun that does NOT do any of the old STYX songs justice.....

Look for Styx to fade after this tour
Notice nothing from JY in the last year
He see's the writing on the wall
The greatest STYX lineup in his mind is over..

Maybe JY has been quiet and subdued due to the fact that his wife is ill. He doesn't want to spend time doing interviews when he can spend that time caring for his wife when he's not on the road.

Maybe or Maybe not
I say maybe not
This STYX scam has run its course
Its all but over

[froy]

Well, I'll say it then - since the hook was baited and all....

I saw them in concert & Gowan sucked royally - he spent most of the show facing Todd, with his back to the audience. During the times when he was actually spinning the keyboard around he never really stopped to face the audience much.

When he tried to do "Come sail Away" - it was ridiculous. He was so nasal sounding - like he had a terminal head cold or something. It absolutely ruined the song & every other one he tried to sing that Dennis used to.

Just a spinning, dancing leprechaun that does NOT do any of the old STYX songs justice.....

Maybe he had a cold.Still love him with them that will not change at all.I had friends to see them not to long again and loved them with Larry.So not everyone likes him and that is fine.

Just curious Baby
Did you ever see STYX with Dennis?

Yes i have and loved him and still do.But i am a fan of Gowans now too.

Really which tours?

[Toph]

Oh and thank you so much for setting us straight ....

As if that was a possibility.

Maybe you two need to get a room...you can fantasize about how great this current lineup of Styx is and lambast how much an asshole DDY is...

[chowhall]

Oh and thank you so much for setting us straight ....

As if that was a possibility.

Maybe you two need to get a room...you can fantasize about how great this current lineup of Styx is and lambast how much an asshole DDY is...

I'll take a room with Zan anyday. As for what you and Froy do in a room is your business. I'd still rather be an asshole than a coward who doesn't know when to apologize.